Charlton discusses cancer in young adults

On a recent episode of Iowa Public Radio’s 'Talk of Iowa,' Professor Mary Charlton joined two young cancer survivors for an insightful conversation about navigating life after cancer as a young adult in Iowa. Published December 2, 2025

Charlton co-authors op-ed on reasons for hope in Iowa’s fight against cancer

Cancer rates in Iowa may be rising, but there’s reason for optimism. In a recent Des Moines Register op-ed, co-authors Mary Charlton, Mark Burkard, and Bradley Hiatt write that through statewide collaboration, innovative research, and expanded access to care, Iowa is making real progress in the fight against cancer. Published December 1, 2025

Celebrating Epi Student Impact

Join us in celebrating the recent achievements of our epidemiology students, who are making waves in public health through their impactful research, publications, awards, and other innovations. Awards & Contributions Max HansenMS, 2nd-year CPH Research Week poster session winner Erin Wissler Gerdes PhD, 4th Year Honorable Mention for her 3MT presentation Olivia Caldera MPH, 2nd year […] Published November 19, 2025

Exploring Public Health in the Capital: Epi Students Attend APHA

Payal Vedanayagam 1st-year MPH student, Epidemiology From November 2nd – November 5th, a handful of Epi students attended American Public Health Association in Washington D.C.! This year’s theme was, “Making the Public’s Health a National Priority.” APHA is the largest public health gathering of the year and it’s where public health professionals from around the world can […] Published November 19, 2025

2025 November Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Anjali Deshpande Clinical Associate Professor This or That? Evidence  Experience  Community conversation  Classroom discussion  Mentoring students Cancer survivorship research  Training professionals Chronic condition qualitative research QATs Quotes of All Time “Every storm runs out of rain.” Published November 19, 2025

What I Learned About Job Searching at APHA: A Practical Guide for Students

Attending the APHA career sessions this year was honestly one of the most useful things I’ve done for my own job search. A lot of what I thought I knew about resumes, networking and applying for jobs changed after hearing from recruiters, career coaches and people who actually hire public health students. I wanted to […] Published November 18, 2025

2025 November Student Spotlight

Payal Vedanayagam Program: MPH, 1st-year Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA Field(s) of interest: Cancer and Rural Health Quickfire Queries: Ranking must-haves for surviving grad school: 1.Dual computer screens 2. School-Work/Personal Life Boundaries 3. An understanding advisor 4. A good officemate 5. Caffeine Congratulations on your election as the ESA First Year Representative for 2025-2026! Published November 18, 2025

Erin Wissler Gerdes earns Honorable Mention in Three Minute Thesis competition

Congratulations to Erin Wissler Gerdes, PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology. She received Honorable Mention recognition in the UI Graduate College's recent Three Minute Thesis competition for her research about untreated mental health conditions in parents, particularly anxiety, and how they contribute to expressions of rage. Published November 17, 2025

Free registration for students attending Iowa Rural Health Association conference

For a limited time, full-time undergraduate or graduate students may attend the the 2025 Iowa Rural Health Association annual conference at no cost. The one-day, in-person conference will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, on the campus of Simpson College in Indianola. Verification of enrollment may be required. Published October 29, 2025

Improving Road and Street Safety

Iowa researchers are studying how to make roads and traffic safer for all ages. Whether we’re crossing a street as a pedestrian, riding a bike, or driving a vehicle, navigating traffic can be complex. Researchers in the College of Public Health are studying different aspects of road safety and how to prevent injuries throughout the […] Published October 27, 2025